Be transported….

Just when you think that your perfect someone is not out there anymore, destiny throws a surprise at you that changes your future forever. This is how it was for Liesl and Norman who met unexpectedly at a cocktail lounge in Cape Town. One-hundred and thirteen roses later, a lunch that lasted from 12nm to 8pm, and a sms saying… “wag tot ek jou hart steel” from Norman, it was clear that they were meant to be together.

They were getting ready to go away for the weekend to celebrate Liesl’s brother’s birthday. Liesl was, on a Saturday morning outing, enjoying her monthly pamper session of a pedicure and manicure. Norman regularly called to find out when she intended coming home. Norman had originally planned a dramatic proposal, but Liesl’s tardiness and making full use of her “me time” provided the ideal opportunity for a very personal, meaningful proposal. Norman surprised Liesl with a ring that he had been perfecting for 6 months with the jeweler. Norman went down on one knee and asked Liesl to spend the rest of her life with him. The moment, overwhelmed with emotion and love resulted in tears flowing, loving embraces and Liesl shouting a big ‘YES’.

With happy hearts and thoughts of spending a lifetime together, smses of congratulations and well wishes started pouring in. Already chilled champagne was waiting at the home of Liesl’s parents in Plattekloof, to toast this promise of eternal love to each other.

The wedding was held at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay on 7 November 2009. Guests were escorted and seated in the Ceremony Venue with the exquisite fire place feature, where a white screen with 2 elegant flower arrangements lit up by mirror and gentle lighting at the front, creating a chic backdrop for the nuptials, accompanied by the Hungarian Trio playing soft classical music.

Liesl entered looking like the perfect princess in a white Paul van Zyl gown, encrusted with Swarovski crystals and diamante beads, and glided down the aisle to her eager, stylish Groom. She recalls not walking slowly as she was being dragged by her emotional father who probably wanted to get to the alter so that he could cry in peace.

The ceremony was nothing short of a fairytale, a dramatic start to the rest of their lives together. Liesl and Norman had a very specific manner in which the ceremony had to be performed. The minister, Ds Gert Painter, was personally asked to conduct the ceremony as him and his wife Mollie has very close ties with Liesl’s Family. It was important for them, that the message from the Minister not only speak to them as the couple getting married, but also to guests who are also married or friends in relationships. The purpose was to make them fall in love all over again. This purpose was served and, after the wedding, guests said that they viewed their spouses and partners with more love and admiration than when they had woken up that morning.

After the ceremony guests enjoyed delicious hot and cold canapés at the Sandy B deck, with the spectacular views of the ocean, while sipping on ice cold glasses of champagne, and whiskey on the rocks for the gents. Being serenaded by the Hungarian Trio, Liesl and Norman walked into a room filled with bubbles, clapping and crying. The subtle glow of candles, aromatic white roses and the sound of people enjoying themselves provided the room with the romantic, classic atmosphere which the couple were looking for.

Guests were then escorted and seated in the elegant and stylishly decorated Rotunda. Liesl and Norman finally arrived and took their places, as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, for the first time, at the main table, seated with their parents. As the merriment continued, Goat’s milk cheese tartlets were served as starters, followed by Lemon sorbet. Main course comprised of Lavender glazed rump of lamb with herbed basmati rice and sautéed vegetables, and the meal was completed with the decadent trilogy of chocolate; a pistachio and chocolate brownie, served with white chocolate ice cream, and dark chocolate mousse. Coffee was served with personalised chocolates, and the cuisine was concluded with Cheese platters, offering an array of South African cheeses and preserves, washed down with specially selected wine from Warwick, Rupert & Rothschild and Durbanville Hills wine estates.

With the wedding customs concluded, guests took to the dance floor and continued to celebrate the night away. The evening ended in a jovial mood with many laughs and exceptional moments being shared with family, friends and colleagues.

The newlyweds describe their experience of their wedding day as magical. “The venue and decor, was perfect and incredibly romantic. Every detail was just the way we envisioned it, to reflect our love and commitment made to each other and sharing this amazing day with friends and family.”

“We had the most amazing wedding and it would not have been possible without the support of our amazing team of service providers. If it was not for Hester Smit of Camps Bay Events, I would have had a nervous breakdown. We all were so calm on the day and everyone commented on how well organized the wedding was from beginning to end. This was because of you Hester, thank you! Also, to Nadine from Theme Creations, for creating our fairytale setting, she is so talented, and blew everyone away with her vision and passion for what she does! Esther, for our stunning photo’s and going above and beyond for us…WOW…you blew us away. Vicky and John Goslin, for capturing every moment for us, I have no words to describe your support and professionalism, your reputation speaks for itself, thank you! Wade, for our delectable cake and petit fours…yum! Paul, thank you to you and your fabulous team for making my spectacular wedding gown and making me look like the princess that I felt like. A very special Thank you to Liesl’s parents. Your generous budget and ‘only the best for our little girl’’ attitude made our day special and we were glad to be able to share that with our friends and family. Thank you to everyone who made our wedding an event that people are still talking about and the perfect celebration for Norman and I to begin our married life together!”Tips for brides-to-be!:

Spend more money on the things that really count, like the brides dress, food, photographer and videographer. Although a cake is a feature, don’t spend obscene amounts of money on something which you are going to end up taking home and eating for the next 3 months.

Relax, everything will come together to unveil the most spectacular day of your life.

Enjoy your day. It goes by so quickly, so it’s important to take the time and enjoy the magnitude of the day.How has married life been so far:

Married life has been fabulous. I love being a wife and taking care of my husband. To wake up every morning next to the man that I love, and knowing that I get to do that for the rest of my life is the most amazing feeling.